Yeah, correct and Batum doesn't have much more hype around him than Trevor Ariza had entering free agency. Ariza is making around $7M/yr.

You're suggesting that people are going to offer him a contract comparable to the one Gerald Wallace is finishing right now. Wallace was far more battle tested than Batum when he landed that deal.

No, I am suggesting Nicolas Batum's expected numbers over a 4 year contract starting next year may be perceived to be close to Danilo Gallinari's expected numbers over a 4 year contract starting next year.

No, I am suggesting Nicolas Batum's expected numbers over a 4 year contract starting next year may be perceived to be close to Danilo Gallinari's expected numbers over a 4 year contract starting next year.

Unless I missed something you mentioned Gallinari just now. I read a lot of people criticize Gallinari's contract as being too much when it was signed...

Why would I mention Gerald Wallace? Oh, I don't know, maybe because he was 24 when he signed his last contract and Batum is 23. Maybe because they play the same position. Maybe because Wallace was posting borderline all-star numbers prior to signing his deal with Charlotte worth around $9.5M/yr and Batum is not.

Unless I missed something you mentioned Gallinari just now. I read a lot of people criticize Gallinari's contract as being too much when it was signed...

Why would I mention Gerald Wallace? Oh, I don't know, maybe because he was 24 when he signed his last contract and Batum is 23. Maybe because they play the same position. Maybe because Wallace was posting borderline all-star numbers prior to signing his deal with Charlotte worth around $9.5M/yr and Batum is not.

You believe contracts signed 4 years ago are relevant; I don't.

We'll see how much Batum is offered next Summer. My guess is 4 years for $35-42 millions. What's yours?

We'll see how much Batum is offered next Summer. My guess is 4 years for $35-42 millions. What's yours?

I think that range makes sense for me too. Gallinari's contract is the barometer. Batum will probably get close to $9M a year or more depending on if he creates a bidding war. And if Bryan is interested he'll over pay.

I don't think its worth it, but it's what he'll get. Potential can be costly. Just look at Amir's contract, or even Bargnani's when it was first signed.

We'll see how much Batum is offered next Summer. My guess is 4 years for $35-42 millions. What's yours?

It's unfortunate you're missing the point here. Contracts five years ago were signed under the old CBA. The old CBA included a luxury tax far less severe than the tax teams will see under the new CBA in the years to come. What that means is that teams will be inclined to spend a little less or more responsibly under the new CBA. What that means is you shouldn't expect to see players getting signed for more under the new CBA in comparison to the old CBA. It's not like the salary cap is much different than 2007. The salary cap this year was $58M, the salary cap in 2007 was $55M. The salary cap in 2012 could drop for all we know. In fact I would wager it certainly won't increase after a reduced season and all the lost opportunity. Do you understand now?

It's unfortunate you're missing the point here. Contracts five years ago were signed under the old CBA. The old CBA included a luxury tax far less severe than the tax teams will see under the new CBA in the years to come. What that means is that teams will be inclined to spend a little less or more responsibly under the new CBA. What that means is you shouldn't expect to see players getting signed for more under the new CBA in comparison to the old CBA. It's not like the Salary cap is much different than 2007. The salary cap this year was $58M, the salary cap in 2007 was $55M. The salary cap in 2012 could drop for all we know. In fact I would wager it certainly won't increase after a reduced season and all the lost opportunity. Do you understand now?

The cap was held status quo for 2011-12 and 2012-13 at the $58M. It will be interesting to see what happens in 2013-14.

Forgetting the issue of the 2008 draft and what Batum might have said, I never did get much feedback on this question:

Do you think Batum could play SG?

To be honest, I have not watched a lot of him. Anyone out there have an opinion based on knowledge or familiarity of his game?

Hypothetically speaking, if Barnes was drafted and Batum played SG, the starting lineup would be extremely skilled and 4 of 5 positions would be a major threat from deep. Lanes would be more clear than the 407 when it first open. You would not be able to cheat on the JV pick and roll because there would be a wide open look from 3 for three other players.

It's unfortunate you're missing the point here. Contracts five years ago were signed under the old CBA. The old CBA included a luxury tax far less severe than the tax teams will see under the new CBA in the years to come. What that means is that teams will be inclined to spend a little less or more responsibly under the new CBA. What that means is you shouldn't expect to see players getting signed for more under the new CBA in comparison to the old CBA. It's not like the salary cap is much different than 2007. The salary cap this year was $58M, the salary cap in 2007 was $55M. The salary cap in 2012 could drop for all we know. In fact I would wager it certainly won't increase after a reduced season and all the lost opportunity. Do you understand now?

I don't know. I would be happy with any 1 of the 3. It will be interesting to see how conference play, March Madness, and the draft process play out. So much can change in this time.

What has caught my attention on Barnes is his offensive production is up and more efficient in 2 less minutes per game than last year. Plus I believe any defensive short comings could very easily be helped immensely by the Raps coaching staff. On top of all that his character and work ethic have been well publicized.

Batum had a strong game at SG versus ATL. 9-15/3-6/1-2 for 22 points, 8 rebounds, 1 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk, 2 to. Unfortunately Joe Johnson also had a good game. I am still very much intrigued by Batum playing SG.